Raser Technologies working on 100mpg Hummer H2 plug-in hybrid

Raser Technologies is working in conjunction with powertrain company FEV and its new E-REV is being designed for application in any number of large vehicles, including SUVs and light trucks.


A prototype for the 100mpg SUV is being prepared for its debut at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit later this month, and while the exact specs about the electric drivetrain are still being kept secret we do know that it will run in a similar fashion to the Chevrolet Volt's plug-in hybrid drivetrain.


Hummer may have been one of the most demonized vehicle brands of the decade, with both poor sales figures and a terrible environmental reputation - but now Utah’s Raser Technologies is using the iconic Hummer H2 as a base for its new electric technology, which it claims can give the Hummer a fuel-economy of around 100mpg.


According to Raser Technologies, the SUV will make use of their E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) powertrain and will be able to drive up to 40 miles per day on pure electricity alone. Once this barrier has been reached, petrol in a small four-cylinder combustion engine connected to the electric motor will generate electricity, much the same way that the Volt does.


Whether or not the technology will be sold in consumer applications is unclear as many manufacturers are already developing their own electric vehicles, however, Raser Technologies has already inked a contract with Pacific Gas & Electric to supply that company with two E-REV trucks, with a view to purchasing more. Other commercial contracts may follow, especially considering the need for many businesses to run large vehicles in their fleets as well as the need to cut costs and be seen doing environmentally positive things.
via:motorauthority



Other article:
New Ferrari.com website to go live during first 2009 F1 Grand Prix season opener
High-speed Detroit-Lansing rail line envisioned
Video: Terrafugia "Flying Car" Makes First Flight
Bee Four revives BRM brand, reveals in-wheel motor source
2008 Hummer H3 Alpha
2009 Hummer H3T Latest Spy Photos
2009 Hummer H3T Revealed
Geiger Hummer H3 V8 Kompressor

New Ferrari.com website to go live during first 2009 F1 Grand Prix season opener

Ferrari is launching its redesigned website this Sunday on March 29. A host of new features will ensure visitors to the site never forget the experience. One of the latest features will be the Maranello Experience section. When going into this visitors are able to take a virtual tour of the company complex in Maranello. The images and video clips will give visitors a 360° view and much better understanding of how Ferrari cars are assembled.

Visitors can click on the GT & Sport cars section if they are keen on choosing and personalising a Ferrari of their choice, from exterior colours and interiors to taking their pick from the list of optional extras. They can even take a virtual test drive at the Mugello Circuit and have Michael Schumacher advise them on the best racing lines to take.


During F1 GP race weekends users can keep up with the two cars live on the track, including getting information on telemetry. Test driver Marc Genè will give the users advice on each situation as well. An exclusive area is being reserved for existing Ferrari customers in order to facilitate better communication between themselves and the company.


Ferrari promises a never-ending adventure on their new website thanks to these and other features, plus the 500 articles, 2173 images and 600 video clips that are posted.
via:teamspeed



Other article:
Massa says new Ferrari is totally different
Ferrari to use pit 'traffic lights'
Schumacher Completes Ferrari California ...
Ferrari Already Testing 2009 Car
Chocolate Ferrari F1 Car Must be Eaten
Raikkonen Wins Spanish GP

High-speed Detroit-Lansing rail line envisioned

LANSING -- Are we ready for a high-speed, hydrogen-powered, magnetically-driven rail line from Detroit to Lansing?


A new proposal to help alleviate the problem of heavy traffic in the state of Michigan is under way. A company called Worldwide Hydrogen Super Highways says it has designed a magnetic-levitation (maglev) rail line to run near existing highways between Detroit, Lansing and Ann Arbor. Interstate Traveler Co. LLC, the company that is pitching this project is made up of 200 international investors.


The magnetic rail cars would carry passengers, vehicles (like a ferry) and freight. Sutton said the rail line could be used by many private operators that own the cars, similar to railroads that are shared by railroad companies.
more detail. ...




Other article:
Governor Schwarzenegger Test Drives Hydrogen Assisted Ronn Motors Scorpion Supercar

Video: Terrafugia "Flying Car" Makes First Flight

What do we know about the Transition? Well, it's an unleaded-fueled front-wheel drive vehicle on the ground, It gets a fuel economy of around 30 MPG and has a top speed of 65 MPH. The design features an automotive-style entry and exit and it'll retail at a street price of $194,000 when it eventually goes on sale. But, you can reserve one now for just $10,000 at Terrafugia's website.






more detail. ...



Other article:
KTM concepts could point the way forward for Austrian brand
Video: Fiat Multiair Technology Announced - More Power, Less Fuel, Less Emissions

Video: Fiat Multiair Technology Announced - More Power, Less Fuel, Less Emissions

With more stringent emission standards on the horizon, consumers are demanding more fuel-efficient models, Fiat introduced their new engine MultiAir. The company believes that the new power system is the most great advances in the design of gasoline engines, in recent years in the MultiAir to provide more power, reducing fuel consumption, reduced exhaust emissions compared to traditional gasoline engines.


In view of the company's history on the use of technological breakthroughs in order to improve performance and efficiency of diesel engines, the Fiat car company takes a similar approach in developing the new engine MultiAir. At about 10% of the traditional engines are a waste of energy input process, is responsible for pumping air from the intake of low atmospheric pressure discharge pressure. Fiat first started looking for the possibility of reducing the waste of energy early in the 20th century, 80's, but have only recently been able to develop a new system, the air is responsible for direct measurement of water in the cylinder, while maintaining constant pressure on the natural upstream .


The new system is extremely technical, but in essence it by a series of solenoid valve is opened or closed camshaft rotation. When the solenoid valve is activated, there are several different situations happen in order to optimize the use of electricity and fuel. (A comprehensive overview of how the system can work at Press Release)


Among the many benefits of the new engine MultiAir are up to 10% growth in power-oriented appreciation of mechanical performance camshaft profile, the revised intake valve to shut down the system, improve low-rpm torque as high as 15%, lower by 10% at fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, because the elimination of pumping losses. More importantly, the fact that MultiAir new engine can achieve up to 25% of the overall increase in fuel economy compared to conventional naturally aspirated engine the same level of performance.


In the future, can see the introduction of technology MultiAir Fiat's diesel engines, because it is committed to providing up to 60% of the nitrogen oxide emissions decreased by 40%, reduce carbon dioxide emissions at cold start and engine warm-up.
Source:World Car Fans




Other article:
Novitec Fiat 500
Fiat Bravo: In Depth
New Fiat 500 In Depth
New Fiat Fiorino Compact Van